9-Day Ak-Suu Traverse — The Ultimate Kyrgyzstan Trek
Most people who finish the Ak-Suu Traverse say the same thing: it was the best trek they have ever done. Nine days across the Terskey Ala-Too — nomadic shepherd camps, hidden waterfalls, the glacial mountain lake of Ala-Kul, remote high passes, the hot springs of Altyn Arashan, and the red canyon walls of Jeti-Oguz. Featured in National Geographic's 100 Hikes of a Lifetime. Are you ready for the best trek of your life?
Price from:
250USD
/ per person
Category:
Hiking
Season:
All year around
Duration:
/3 night
5 Days
Kyrgyzstan's greatest trek.
All of it.
All of it.
National Geographic put it on their list of the world's greatest hikes — and most travellers who complete it will tell you the same thing: it was the best trek they have ever done.
The Ak-Suu Traverse is Kyrgyzstan's most celebrated long-distance mountain route — a nine-day journey through the full width of the Tien Shan mountains, through terrain most visitors to Kyrgyzstan never reach.
You start in Jyrgalan and walk deep into the mountain wilderness. You cross rivers, discover hidden waterfalls in remote gorges, and pass through nomadic shepherd camps along the way. You reach the Boz-Uchuk alpine lakes, climb to Ala-Kul Lake at 3,550m — the most rewarding view on the entire traverse — cross the pass at 3,906m with the full mountain range spread below you, soak in the thermal springs of Altyn Arashan after seven days in the mountains, and finish through the red canyon walls of Jeti-Oguz.
This is a nine-day trek that requires good physical fitness and solid trekking experience and confidence. If nine days feels like too much, we also offer the 5-Day Central Ak-Suu Traverse — the best highlights of the full route in a shorter format.
The Ak-Suu Traverse is Kyrgyzstan's most celebrated long-distance mountain route — a nine-day journey through the full width of the Tien Shan mountains, through terrain most visitors to Kyrgyzstan never reach.
You start in Jyrgalan and walk deep into the mountain wilderness. You cross rivers, discover hidden waterfalls in remote gorges, and pass through nomadic shepherd camps along the way. You reach the Boz-Uchuk alpine lakes, climb to Ala-Kul Lake at 3,550m — the most rewarding view on the entire traverse — cross the pass at 3,906m with the full mountain range spread below you, soak in the thermal springs of Altyn Arashan after seven days in the mountains, and finish through the red canyon walls of Jeti-Oguz.
This is a nine-day trek that requires good physical fitness and solid trekking experience and confidence. If nine days feels like too much, we also offer the 5-Day Central Ak-Suu Traverse — the best highlights of the full route in a shorter format.
Reach the Boz-Uchuk Lakes deep in the wilderness — pristine alpine pools with views in every direction
Highlights
Conquer Ala-Kul Lake at 3,550m — one of the most stunning glacial lakes in Kyrgyzstan
Soak in the natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan mid-trek — a well-earned rest for the body
Meet nomadic shepherd families along the route — share tea and experience real mountain life
Walk through the red canyon walls of Jeti-Oguz — a dramatic finish to nine days in the mountains
Distance: 13 km · Elevation: +900m / -1,300m
Jergez Gorge — Ailanysh Lakes — Ailanysh Pass — Almaluu Valley
Day 4
Itinerary
Distance: 14 km · Elevation: +400m
Day 1
Karakol — Jyrgalan — Terim-Tor Camp
Terim-Tor — Terim-Tor Pass — Boz-Uchuk Pass — Boz-Uchuk Lakes
Day 2
Distance: 14 km · Elevation: +1,100m / -700m
Private vehicle transfer from Karakol east along the Issyk-Kul shore to Jyrgalan village — approximately one hour and 60 kilometres. Jyrgalan is a former mining village that has become one of Kyrgyzstan's most respected ecotourism destinations. After a guide briefing and gear check, the trek begins on foot through high-altitude pastures and open ridgelines toward the Terim-Tor camp. A steady first day — long enough to introduce the terrain, gentle enough to let the legs warm up properly. Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp
One of the hardest days on the traverse — two big mountain passes back to back. The Terim-Tor Bulak Pass begins immediately after breakfast: 480 metres of elevation gain over just 1.4 kilometres. Steep and relentless but short. From the top the views open in every direction before the descent to the valley floor and the second crossing — Boz-Uchuk Pass at 3,363m, a relatively gradual ascent with only 200 metres of elevation gain. From the top the views are incredible — and then the Boz-Uchuk Lakes appear below. A chain of glacially formed alpine pools at 3,400 metres, their colour shifting between deep green and turquoise depending on the sky. Camp directly beside the upper lake. The stillness here at dusk is something you will remember long after the trek ends.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Boz-Uchuk Lakes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Boz-Uchuk Lakes
Distance: 7 km main route + 5 km waterfall hike · Elevation: +500m / -700m
Day 3
Boz-Uchuk Lakes — Ridge Pass — Jergez Gorge + Waterfall
The route begins with a short ascent over the ridge and descent into the valley, then continues uphill to a panoramic pass at 3,524m with a stunning view of Tashtanbek Tor Bashi peak. After reaching the campsite, a hike to a nearby waterfall. The waterfall is one of those moments that most trekkers on the traverse don't anticipate — hidden in the upper gorge and genuinely impressive. A shorter main day that rewards you with extra time in the afternoon to explore. Overnight in the yurt camp at Jergez Gorge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Jergez Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Jergez Gorge
From camp, the trail climbs toward the first Ailanysh Lake at 3,445 metres, where you pause briefly. The trail then steepens heading up to Ailanysh Pass at 3,676 metres. The two lakes below the pass are among the quietest and most beautiful spots on the entire traverse — few people outside the Ak-Suu route ever see them. After the pass, the descent reveals breathtaking views of a 3,855m peak and the icy faces of the Ak-Suu Wall. The route drops steadily to the Almaluu valley floor and camp beside the river. A long and demanding day — the hardest of the traverse after Day 2.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Almaluu Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Almaluu Valley
Distance: 14 km · Elevation: +800m / -1,600m
Almaluu Valley — Ortok Pass — Altyn Arashan
Day 5
An easier day by the standards of this traverse — 14 kilometres via Ortok Pass at 3,650 metres. After descending along the river you arrive in Altyn Arashan valley. The day begins with an 800-metre climb to the pass — short but steep — before the long rewarding descent into a valley that transforms completely around you: rocks become grass, grass becomes pine forest, the temperature rises with every kilometre. Altyn Arashan arrives in the afternoon. Dinner at the guesthouse, hot shower, proper bed. The body notices.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Altyn Arashan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Altyn Arashan
Distance: ~13 km · Elevation: +300m / -800m
Ala-Kul Lake — Telety Valley — Camp
Day 8
Rest Day — Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
Day 6
Distance: Optional short walks only
A full rest day in the valley. Here you can relax in natural hot springs — outdoor mineral pools in a pine-forested valley that, after five consecutive days of mountain camping and high passes, feel like the best possible decision anyone has ever made. No agenda. Sleep late, soak long, eat well. An optional short morning walk deeper into the valley for those who can't stay still. Tomorrow brings the biggest single climb of the entire traverse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Altyn Arashan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Altyn Arashan
Distance: ~10 km Elevation: +1,400m / -350m
Day 7
Altyn Arashan — Ala-Kul Pass — Ala-Kul Lake
The most demanding climbing day of the entire nine days. You ascend about 8 kilometres to reach the Ala-Kul Pass at 3,906 metres. The final 200 metres involve a steep, rocky climb. From the valley floor at 2,500 metres to the pass at 3,906 metres — 1,400 metres of ascent. The rest day was not optional. At the top, the full Terskey Ala-Too range opens in every direction — one of the widest views of the entire traverse. Then the short descent to Ala-Kul Lake at 3,550 metres. Deep turquoise, glacier-fed, surrounded by peaks above 4,000m, and — after six days of working toward this moment — completely worth every step. Camp beside the lake at 3,550 metres.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Ala-Kul Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Ala-Kul Lake
Wake early if the sky is clear. The lake at first light — the surrounding peaks catching the sun before the water does — is the best photography of the entire nine days. After breakfast the trail heads north from the lake into Telety Valley. The valley is spoiled for choice of campsites — for views it's hard to beat a long flat area about halfway up the valley where the river broadens briefly, with great panoramas of Telety to the southwest and back toward Ala-Kul's passes to the northeast. A gentler day after yesterday's long climb — the body begins its recovery as altitude drops.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Telety Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Telety Valley
Distance: ~14 km Elevation: +200m / -1,000m
Telety Valley — Jeti-Oguz — Karakol
Day 9
The final morning on the traverse. From Telety Pass it is less than two easy hours to the river valley on the far side before the trail descends toward the Jeti-Oguz valley. And then the red sandstone canyon formations appear — deep orange and red cliffs known locally as the Seven Bulls, one of the most photographed landscapes in Kyrgyzstan. After nine days of grey granite and glacial terrain the colour arrives as a striking and fitting finale. Short vehicle transfer from Jeti-Oguz to Karakol. The traverse is complete.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer: Jeti-Oguz — Karakol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer: Jeti-Oguz — Karakol
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
English-speaking local trekking guide (9 days)
Transfers: Karakol — Jyrgalan (Day 1) & Jeti-Oguz — Karakol (Day 9, 4×4 vehicle)
Accommodation as mentioned in the program
Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
Hot springs session at Altyn Arashan (Day 6)
All national park and area entrance fees
Inclusions
Not Included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Personal travel insurance (required — must cover multi-day high altitude trekking)
Personal hiking equipment
Alcohol and personal purchases
Tips for guide (optional, warmly appreciated)
English-speaking local trekking guide (9 days)
Transfers: Karakol — Jyrgalan (Day 1) & Jeti-Oguz — Karakol (Day 9, 4×4 vehicle)
Accommodation as mentioned in the program
Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
Hot springs session at Altyn Arashan (Day 6)
All national park and area entrance fees
Itinerary
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Inclusions
Not included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Day 1
Karakol — Jyrgalan — Terim-Tor Camp
Distance: 14 km · Elevation: +400m
Terim-Tor — Terim-Tor Pass — Boz-Uchuk Pass — Boz-Uchuk Lakes
Day 2
Distance: 14 km · Elevation: +1,100m / -700m
Private vehicle transfer from Karakol east along the Issyk-Kul shore to Jyrgalan village — approximately one hour and 60 kilometres. Jyrgalan is a former mining village that has become one of Kyrgyzstan's most respected ecotourism destinations. After a guide briefing and gear check, the trek begins on foot through high-altitude pastures and open ridgelines toward the Terim-Tor camp. A steady first day — long enough to introduce the terrain, gentle enough to let the legs warm up properly. Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp
One of the hardest days on the traverse — two big mountain passes back to back. The Terim-Tor Bulak Pass begins immediately after breakfast: 480 metres of elevation gain over just 1.4 kilometres. Steep and relentless but short. From the top the views open in every direction before the descent to the valley floor and the second crossing — Boz-Uchuk Pass at 3,363m, a relatively gradual ascent with only 200 metres of elevation gain. From the top the views are incredible — and then the Boz-Uchuk Lakes appear below. A chain of glacially formed alpine pools at 3,400 metres, their colour shifting between deep green and turquoise depending on the sky. Camp directly beside the upper lake. The stillness here at dusk is something you will remember long after the trek ends.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Boz-Uchuk Lakes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Boz-Uchuk Lakes
Day 3
Boz-Uchuk Lakes — Ridge Pass — Jergez Gorge + Waterfall
Distance: 7 km main route + 5 km waterfall hike Elevation: +500m / -700m
Distance: 13 km · Elevation: +900m / -1,300m
Jergez Gorge — Ailanysh Lakes — Ailanysh Pass — Almaluu Valley
Day 4
The route begins with a short ascent over the ridge and descent into the valley, then continues uphill to a panoramic pass at 3,524m with a stunning view of Tashtanbek Tor Bashi peak. After reaching the campsite, a hike to a nearby waterfall. The waterfall is one of those moments that most trekkers on the traverse don't anticipate — hidden in the upper gorge and genuinely impressive. A shorter main day that rewards you with extra time in the afternoon to explore. Overnight in the yurt camp at Jergez Gorge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Jergez Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Jergez Gorge
From camp, the trail climbs toward the first Ailanysh Lake at 3,445 metres, where you pause briefly. The trail then steepens heading up to Ailanysh Pass at 3,676 metres. The two lakes below the pass are among the quietest and most beautiful spots on the entire traverse — few people outside the Ak-Suu route ever see them. After the pass, the descent reveals breathtaking views of a 3,855m peak and the icy faces of the Ak-Suu Wall. The route drops steadily to the Almaluu valley floor and camp beside the river. A long and demanding day — the hardest of the traverse after Day 2.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Almaluu Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Almaluu Valley
Distance: 14 km · Elevation: +800m / -1,600m
Almaluu Valley — Ortok Pass — Altyn Arashan
Day 5
An easier day by the standards of this traverse — 14 kilometres via Ortok Pass at 3,650 metres. After descending along the river you arrive in Altyn Arashan valley. The day begins with an 800-metre climb to the pass — short but steep — before the long rewarding descent into a valley that transforms completely around you: rocks become grass, grass becomes pine forest, the temperature rises with every kilometre. Altyn Arashan arrives in the afternoon. Dinner at the guesthouse, hot shower, proper bed. The body notices.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Altyn Arashan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Altyn Arashan
Rest Day — Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
Day 6
Distance: Optional short walks only
A full rest day in the valley. Here you can relax in natural hot springs — outdoor mineral pools in a pine-forested valley that, after five consecutive days of mountain camping and high passes, feel like the best possible decision anyone has ever made. No agenda. Sleep late, soak long, eat well. An optional short morning walk deeper into the valley for those who can't stay still. Tomorrow brings the biggest single climb of the entire traverse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Altyn Arashan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Altyn Arashan
Day 7
Altyn Arashan — Ala-Kul Pass — Ala-Kul Lake
Distance: ~10 km · Elevation: +1,400m / -350m
Distance: ~13 km · Elevation: +300m / -800m
Ala-Kul Lake — Telety Valley — Camp
Day 8
The most demanding climbing day of the entire nine days. You ascend about 8 kilometres to reach the Ala-Kul Pass at 3,906 metres. The final 200 metres involve a steep, rocky climb. From the valley floor at 2,500 metres to the pass at 3,906 metres — 1,400 metres of ascent. The rest day was not optional. At the top, the full Terskey Ala-Too range opens in every direction — one of the widest views of the entire traverse. Then the short descent to Ala-Kul Lake at 3,550 metres. Deep turquoise, glacier-fed, surrounded by peaks above 4,000m, and — after six days of working toward this moment — completely worth every step. Camp beside the lake at 3,550 metres.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Ala-Kul Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Ala-Kul Lake
Wake early if the sky is clear. The lake at first light — the surrounding peaks catching the sun before the water does — is the best photography of the entire nine days. After breakfast the trail heads north from the lake into Telety Valley. The valley is spoiled for choice of campsites — for views it's hard to beat a long flat area about halfway up the valley where the river broadens briefly, with great panoramas of Telety to the southwest and back toward Ala-Kul's passes to the northeast. A gentler day after yesterday's long climb — the body begins its recovery as altitude drops.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Telety Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Telety Valley
Distance: ~14 km · Elevation: +200m / -1,000m
Telety Valley — Jeti-Oguz — Karakol
Day 9
The final morning on the traverse. From Telety Pass it is less than two easy hours to the river valley on the far side before the trail descends toward the Jeti-Oguz valley. And then the red sandstone canyon formations appear — deep orange and red cliffs known locally as the Seven Bulls, one of the most photographed landscapes in Kyrgyzstan. After nine days of grey granite and glacial terrain the colour arrives as a striking and fitting finale. Short vehicle transfer from Jeti-Oguz to Karakol. The traverse is complete.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer: Jeti-Oguz — Karakol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer: Jeti-Oguz — Karakol
Personal travel insurance (required — must cover multi-day high altitude trekking)
Personal hiking equipment
Alcohol and personal purchases
Tips for guide (optional, warmly appreciated)
MONEY&COSTS
The national currency is the Kyrgyz Som (KGS). In Bishkek and major towns, ATMs are widely available in shopping centers and on main streets, and you can pay by card in most restaurants and shops. Visa is the most widely accepted card, while MasterCard is less common and accepted only by specific banks. However, when traveling to the mountains or small villages, you must carry enough cash as ATMs are non-existent. We strongly recommend bringing new USD banknotes, as old or marked bills are often refused by exchange offices.
SAFETY
Kyrgyzstan is widely considered the safest and most open country in Central Asia, known for its stable political situation and hospitable locals. While the country is very safe, we recommend taking standard travel precautions just like anywhere else in the world: keep an eye on your belongings, avoid unlit streets at night, and always use official taxi services. Your safety is our top priority, and we work closely with trusted local partners to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.
ENTRY&EXIT
Citizens of many developed countries can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 60 days. If you are unsure about your specific visa requirements, simply contact us for assistance. We also arrange all special border permits required for your specific itinerary free of charge.
BEST TIME TO GO
Kyrgyzstan features a dry continental climate with a striking contrast between the valleys and the mountains. In major cities like Bishkek and the Ferghana Valley, summers can be intense, with daytime temperatures soaring between 30°C and 40°C (86°–104°F). However, since most of the country sits above 1,500 meters, the mountain air is much fresher and more comfortable, typically hovering around a pleasant 20°C–25°C (68°–77°F) during the day.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
HEALTH
To ensure a healthy trip, avoid drinking tap water or using it for brushing teeth; rely on bottled or filtered water instead. When it comes to food, it is safer to stick to freshly cooked, hot meals and fruits that you can peel yourself. These simple habits are your best defense against common stomach issues and will help you stay energized.
Before you travel, we recommend checking that your routine vaccinations—specifically Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus—are up to date. Since medical infrastructure in remote mountain areas can be limited, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Before you travel, we recommend checking that your routine vaccinations—specifically Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus—are up to date. Since medical infrastructure in remote mountain areas can be limited, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour starts at 7:40 AM from the meeting place and lasts around 9-11 hours.
The best way to pay is cash (USD or local currency) directly to the guide on the day of the tour. We also accept card payments and can provide a payment link if needed.
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If it rains, we recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat. If the weather is extreme, the boat ride may not be possible, but the rest of the activities will continue as planned.
Yes! You’ll have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery at Issyk Kul Lake, Burana Tower, and cultural sites.
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Comfortable sedan/minibus during the day
- Small-group tour (min 3 and max 15 passengers)
- Admission tickets to Burana Tower, Boat Tour, and Petroglyphs
- Small bottled water
- Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
- Weather-appropriate clothing (hat/sunscreen in summer, warm layers in winter)
- Packed lunch (optional) if you’d like to have a meal during the boat ride
- Towel and swimsuit for the hot springs
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